Heating device

ABSTRACT

Generally described, a heating device, or heating tube, includes a combustive fluid inlet, respectively a combustible fluid inlet, is connected to a combustion head via a first pipe, respectively a second pipe, the second pipe being housed at least partially in the first pipe. In this heating device, the combustion head is distant of at least 50 cm from the combustible fluid inlet, which enables to create a “cold zone” between the two. The first and the second pipes enable to bring the combustible fluid and the combustive fluid separately to the combustion head, even if the latter is remote by at least 50 cm from the combustible fluid and combustive fluid inlets.

BACKGROUND

A heating tube, or radiant tube, is a heating device. Generally described, a heating tube comprises a combustive fluid inlet, a combustible fluid inlet, a combustion head connected to the combustive fluid inlet and the combustible fluid inlet. It further comprises a heat-emitting tube of which a first part is provided to receive a flame emitted by the combustion head. The combustive fluid and the combustible fluid are mixed in the combustion head. The resulting mixture is ignited at the start of the combustion head to generate the flame in the first part of the heat-emitting tube. This flame creates heat which is diffused along the heat-emitting tube, in order to heat a zone.

There are situations wherein the fluid inlets cannot be close to the zone to be heated, as the fluid inlets must be able to be easily accessible for an operator.

A first example of such a situation is a heating tube for a sauna. It is not practical to provide an accessible space adjoining the sauna for the combustive fluid, combustible fluid, and potentially the casing. The assembly comprising the fluid inlets, the combustion head, and the first part of the heat-emitting tube, is therefore often installed with a certain distance with respect to the sauna. Consequently, the space between this assembly and the sauna is heated, whereas it is situated outside of the zone to be heated. This creates a risk of fire and creates unnecessary energy inefficiency.

A second example of such a situation is a heating tube for industrial equipment, such as a tunnel furnace or a chemical bath. It is not ideal that the fluid inlets are installed in a tunnel furnace or in the proximity of its inlet or outlet because of the heat that emerges from the tunnel furnace. Nor is it ideal that the fluid inlets are installed too close to dangerous chemical baths. The assembly comprising fluid inlets, the combustion head and the first part of the heat-emitting tube is therefore generally installed with a certain distance with respect to the tunnel furnace and to the chemical bath. Consequently, the space between this assembly and the tunnel furnace or the chemical bath is heated, whereas it is situated outside of the zone to be heated. This creates a risk of fire and creates unnecessary energy inefficiency.

A third example of such a situation is a heating tube to decontaminate the ground through evaporation of pollution. Toxic earth piled on a heap of several meters in height must be able to be heated. An operator cannot climb up such a heap to access the combustive fluid and combustible fluid inlets. The combustive fluid and combustible fluid inlets must therefore be installed with a certain distance with respect to the heap of earth. The assembly comprising the fluid inlets, the combustion head and the first part of the heat-emitting tube is therefore generally installed remote from the place where the heating tube enters into the heap of earth, whereas it is the place where it would be ideal to start heating. Consequently, the space between this assembly and the heap of earth is heated, whereas it is situated outside of the zone to be heated. This creates a risk of fire and creates unnecessary energy inefficiency.

Document JP 3 722410 B2 describes a heating tube wherein the fluid connection between the combustible fluid inlet and the combustion head is partially housed in the fluid connection between the combustive fluid inlet and the combustion head. The fluid inlets are by a casing which is fixed to the wall of a furnace, and the combustion head is situated in a hole of said wall. Thus, the heated zone starts just from the other side of the wall with respect to the casing. Indeed, this is the desired effect in this heating tube, as it is preferable that the whole inside of the furnace is heated.

Document DE 3907946 A1 also describes a heating tube wherein the fluid connection between the combustible fluid inlet and the combustion head is partially housed in the fluid connection between the combustive fluid inlet and the combustion head. The fluid inlets are through a casing which is fixed to a wall of a tank and the combustion head is situated just downstream of the inlets. Thus, the heated zone starts slightly upstream of the wall, or at the wall. Indeed, this is the desired effect in the heating tube of this document, as it is preferable that the whole inside of the tank is heated.

Document FR 2590001 A1 describes a device for generating hot water wherein the fluid connection between the combustible fluid inlet and the combustion head is partially housed in the fluid connection between the combustive fluid inlet and the combustion head. The combustion head is situated just downstream of the fluid inlets in order to obtain a compact device. This device is not a heating tube, as it does not comprise a heat-emitting tube. Indeed, the flame exiting the combustion head is created directly in a furnace.

Document US2014/0363775 A1 describes a gas igniter intended to heat the combustion chamber of a coal furnace during its start-up. In this device, the fluid connection between the combustible fluid inlet and the combustion head is partially housed in the fluid connection between the combustive fluid inlet and the combustion head. The combustion head is situated slightly downstream of the fluid inlets, in order to obtain a compact device. This device is not a heating tube, as it does not comprise a heat-emitting tube. Indeed, the flame exiting the combustion head is created directly in a furnace.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

One of the aims of the disclosure is to provide a heating device wherein the combustion and combustible inlets are highly offset from the combustion head.

To this end, according to a first aspect, the disclosure proposes a heating device comprising: a combustive fluid inlet; a combustible fluid inlet; a combustion head provided to emit a flame; a first fluid connection comprising a first pipe and connected fluidically to the combustive fluid inlet and to the combustion head; a second fluid connection comprising a second pipe housed at least partially in the first pipe and connected fluidically to the combustible fluid inlet and to the combustion head; a heat-emitting tube of which a first part is in fluid communication with the first fluid connection and is provided to receive the combustion head and a flame emitted by the combustion head; a fluid outlet connected fluidically to the first part of the heat-emitting tube via a second part of the heat-emitting tube; and means for moving fluid, enabling movement of fluid. Such movement of fluid being between the combustive fluid inlet and the combustion head via the first fluid connection, and the first part of the heat-emitting tube and the second part of the heat-emitting tube, wherein the combustion head and the combustible fluid inlet may be separated by a distance of at least 50 cm in some embodiments, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10 m in further embodiments.

In the device according to the disclosure, the distance between the combustion head and the fluid inlets enables to create a large non-heated zone formed by offsetting between the fluid inlets and the combustion head. Thus, only the zone to be heated is actually heated, which decreases the risk of fire and avoids unnecessary energy inefficiency.

This also enables to place the fluid inlets, such that they are easily accessible, while keeping a great liberty on the position of the start of the heated zone, which can be in an inaccessible place, for example, up high, inside a space closed by a partition wall, or on a heap of toxic earth.

Choosing between the minimum 50 cm, minimum 2 m, or minimum 10 m distances depends on the use of the device according to the disclosure. A distance that is too short is not interesting as the heat of the flame also expands upstream and there is not really a “non-heated zone” in such a case.

None of the documents JP 3722410 B2, DE 3907946 A1, FR 2590001 A1, and US2014/0363775 A1 consider creating a non-heated zone of at least 50 cm downstream of the fluid inlets. Nothing in these documents indicates that it is possible or desirable to broadly offset the heat zone of the fluid inlets. Thus, none of these documents would incite offsetting at least 50 cm in some embodiments, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10 m in further embodiments, the zone to be heated of the combustible fluid inlet. Indeed, introducing such an offsetting in these known devices would go against the objectives followed by these devices. Furthermore, these distances are too large to be compatible with the devices disclosed in the above documents, as such an offsetting would damage the robustness and/or the capacity of the heating devices described.

In the device according to the disclosure, the first and the second pipes enable separately leading the combustible fluid and the combustive fluid to the combustion head, even if this is remote from the combustible fluid and combustive fluid inlets. This therefore enables to separate the combustion and combustible fluid inlets, which must be easily accessible from the combustion head, which is the starting point of the flame.

The fact that the second pipe is housed, at least partially, in the first pipe, enables the combustion head to be supplied centrally by the combustible fluid and peripherally by the combustive fluid. Furthermore, this enables the combustive fluid to flow around the combustion head in the heat-emitting tube from the first fluid connection.

In some embodiments, the fluids are gases and the combustive fluid is air. The combustible fluid can, for example, be natural gas which is a gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons, propane, butane or LPG (liquified petroleum gas).

In some embodiments, the fluid communications are sealed. In some embodiments, the first and second pipes have sealed walls.

The heat-emitting tube is a heat-emitting tube through radiation, convection and/or conduction. Heat emission by radiation particularly occurs when the heat-emitting tube is surrounded by an environment that is at least partially transparent to infrared radiation, for example, air. Heat emission by convection particularly occurs when the heat-emitting tube is in contact with a fluid environment. Heat emission by conduction particularly occurs when the emitting tube is in contact with a conduction heat conducting environment.

The means for moving fluid enable to create an overall fluid movement of an upstream direction towards a downstream direction, in other words, from the combustive fluid inlet towards the fluid outlet. The means for moving fluid can comprise a ventilator. The means for moving fluid can be situated in the proximity of the combustive fluid inlet, so as to push the combustive fluid, and/or in the proximity of the fluid outlet, so as to draw the fluid.

The heat-emitting tube is, for example, arranged essentially horizontally to enable distribution of heat. The heat-emitting tube can also be arranged vertically. The heat-emitting tube can also be arranged to form an angle of between 0° and 90° with respect to the vertical.

The heating device according to the disclosure can be called “heating tube” and in particular, “heating tube with remote flame”. It can also be called “radiant tube”.

The combustion head, the first fluid connection, the second fluid connection, the combustive fluid inlet and the combustible fluid inlet can be comprised in a device called “burner”.

In the scope of the present document, the “non-heated zone” can also be called “cold zone”.

In the scope of the present document, two “fluid communication or connection” elements can be in direct fluid communication or connection, in other words, that they are directly in contact with one another, or in indirect fluid communication or connection, in other words, that there are intermediate elements between them.

In some embodiments, the combustion head and the combustible fluid inlet are separated by a distance of less than 50 m.

In some embodiments, the heating device comprises a casing, the first fluid connection comprises, between the combustive fluid inlet and the first pipe, a first connection part included in the casing and the second fluid connection comprises, between the combustible fluid inlet and the second pipe, a second connection part included in the casing. Preferably, the combustion head is preferably neither totally nor partially included in the casing. In other words, in some embodiments, the combustion head is situated outside of the casing.

Having the combustion head completely outside of the casing enables creation of a large offsetting between the fluid inlets and the start of the flame. This also enables to place the casing such that it is easily accessible and/or that it is installed stably, while really freeing up the position of the start of the heated zone, which can be in an inaccessible place, for example, up high.

The case is not typically provided to support temperatures beyond 60° C. The offsetting of the flame enables to avoid damaging it. The casing can comprise electronic components. The casing can comprise a pressure switch. The casing can comprise a solenoid valve. The casing can comprise elements enabling to connect the combustive fluid inlet and the combustible fluid inlet onto supply lines. The casing can comprise the means for moving fluid. The two ignition cables connected from one side to the ignition electrode can be connected, from another side, to a device for actuating the remote ignition means present in the casing. The verification cable connected from one side to the ionization electrode can be connected, from another side, to an outlet device of the remote flame verification means present in the casing, for example, an indicator light. The ignition and verification cables are preferably coated with a dielectric and/or a thermal insulator provided to resist high temperatures.

In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises a remote ignition means, enabling to remotely ignite a flame at the combustion head.

In the scope of the present document, “remote/remotely” can, for example, mean from the combustible fluid inlet, from a casing including combustion and combustible fluid inlets, and/or from a casing including the upstream ends of the first and second pipes. The remote ignition means enables an operator, for example, in the proximity of the combustion and combustible fluid inlets, to ignite the flame at the combustion head, even when the combustion head is remote.

In some embodiments, the remote ignition means comprises an ignition electrode and an ignition cable housed at least partially in the first pipe and connected to the ignition electrode.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the remote ignition means comprises two ignition cables connected to the ignition electrode and housed at least partially in the space between the inner surface of the first pipe and the outer surface of the second pipe.

In some embodiments, the heating device further comprises a remote flame verification means enables to remotely verify the presence of the flame emitted by the combustion head.

The remote flame verification means enables an operator, for example, in the proximity of the combustion and combustible fluid inlets to verify the existence of a flame at the combustion head.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the remote flame verification means comprises an ionization electrode and a verification cable connected to the ionization electrode and housed at least partially in the first pipe.

For example, in an embodiment of the disclosure, the remote flame verification means comprises one single verification cable connected to the ionization electrode and housed at least partially in the space between the inner surface of the first pipe and the outer surface of the second pipe.

In some embodiments, the combustion head is mechanically coupled to the first part of the heat-emitting tube.

The mechanical coupling can enable to keep the combustion head at a certain distance from an inner surface of the first part of the heat-emitting tube.

It can, for example, be achieved through rigid radial rods, for example three radial rods, spaced by 120°. This enables to keep the flame emitted by the combustion head in the proximity of a central axis of the heat-emitting tube and in the direction of this axis, which is particularly useful if the second pipe is at least partially flexible.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the combustion head is mechanically coupled to the first part of the heat-emitting tube by the coupling elements fixed to the combustion head and arranged to be able to slide along an inner surface of the second pipe and/or an inner surface of the heat-emitting tube.

These coupling elements sliding along the inner surface of the second pipe and/or of the heat-emitting tube enable an easier installation of the combustion head.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat-emitting tube comprises a section provided to be disassembled. The disassembly can make the installation and maintenance of the heating device easier.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first pipe comprises a section provided to be disassembled. This diassembly can make the installation and maintenance of the heating device easier.

In some embodiments, the second pipe is provided to support a temperature of at least 300° C.

The flame exiting the combustion head can have a temperature of around 1100° C. The second pipe is therefore provided to support without damage high temperatures, preferably at least 300° C., more preferably 600° C. Likewise, the first pipe, the heat-emitting tube and the combustion head are provided to support a temperature of at least 300° C., more preferably 600° C.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe comprises a metal. In some embodiments, the second pipe comprises stainless steel. This can, for example, be made of 316Ti steel.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first pipe is rigid. It is also possible, while remaining in the scope of the disclosure, that the first pipe comprises at least one flexible part.

In the scope of the present document, a pipe is “rigid” if it cannot be folded without risk of being damaged and in particular, without risk of loss of sealing at the level of its walls.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe is at least partially flexible.

In the scope of the present document, a pipe is “at least partially flexible”, if it can be folded while keeping a fluid connection function and without risk of being damaged, in particular without risk of loss of sealing at the level of its walls. For example, a pipe having an outer diameter and which could be folded until reaching a bend radius equal to at least ten times its outer diameter while keeping a fluid connection function and without risk of being damaged is considered as “at least partially flexible”.

A pipe at least partially flexible can also be qualified as “semi-flexible”.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first pipe presents an angle and the second pipe is curved.

The first pipe can, for example, comprise a bent joining part and thanks to its flexibility, the second pipe is capable of mainly following the shape of the first pipe. Furthermore, the first pipe can comprise a first angle in a first direction of rotation following the movement of the fluids and a second angle in a second direction of rotation following the movement of the fluids. This enables to create an offsetting, perpendicular to the overall direction of flow of the fluids.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe is more flexible than the first pipe.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat-emitting tube and the first pipe form part of a same piece. It is also possible, while remaining in the scope of the disclosure, that they are different pieces.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat-emitting tube and the first pipe form part of a part which could be called “extended heat-emitting tube”. The first pipe can thus be considered as the part of this part which goes up to the upstream end of the combustion head. It is also possible that the heat-emitting tube and the first pipe are in the direction extension of one another.

Furthermore, the disclosure proposes a heating equipment to decontaminate earth, comprising the heating device according to the disclosure.

In addition, the disclosure proposes a heating equipment for industrial installation such as a furnace, a tunnel furnace or a chemical bath and comprising the heating device according to the disclosure.

Additionally, the disclosure proposes a heating equipment for a sauna comprising the heating device according to the disclosure.

According to a second aspect, the disclosure proposes a heating method comprising the steps of: providing a heating device according to the disclosure; arranging the heating device such that the heat-emitting tube is at least partially in a zone to be heated; connecting fluidically the combustive fluid inlet to a combustive fluid supply; connecting fluidically the combustible fluid inlet to a combustible fluid supply; starting the means for moving fluid; and starting the flame at the combustion head.

Thus, the zone to be heated is separated by a distance of at least 50 cm in some embodiments, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10 m from the combustible fluid inlet in further embodiments. In the scope of the present disclosure, a “zone to be heated” is a zone such that it is desired, that the elements present in this zone, in particular, solid or liquid elements, are heated by the heating device.

The advantages mentioned for the devices disclosed herein, are similarly applied to the methods.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the present disclosure will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates one representative embodiment of a heating device in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 2 illustrates one representative embodiment of three heating devices in accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the three heating devices arranged to decontaminate a heap of earth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as precluding other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed.

In the following description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

The present application may include references to directions, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “rear,” “upward,” “downward,” “top,” “bottom,” “right hand,” “left hand,” “lateral,” “medial,” “in,” “out,” “extended,” etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are only to assist in helping describe and to understand the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or locations.

The present application may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of the possible quantities or numbers associated with the present application.

Also in this regard, the present application may use the term “plurality” to reference a quantity or number. The terms “about,” “approximately,” “near,” etc., mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C,” for example, means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all further possible permutations when greater than three elements are listed.

In the context of the present document, the terms “first” and “second” are only used to differentiate the different elements and do not involve order between these elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a heating device 1 in an embodiment of the present disclosure. The heating device 1 comprises a combustion head 30 provided to emit a flame in the proximity of its downstream end 34. In some embodiments, the combustion head 30 comprises, in the proximity of its upstream end, a central combustible fluid inlet and peripheral combustive fluid inlets 31. In some embodiments, the combustion head 30 comprises an injector, calibrated to lead the combustible fluid at a certain pressure. A mixture between the combustion and combustible fluids is made in the combustion head 30. In some embodiments, the combustion head 30 also comprises a Venturi tube and a flame holder. In some embodiments, the combustion head 30 also comprises an ionization electrode 32. In some embodiments, the combustion head 30 also comprises an ignition electrode 33. Contrary to the illustration in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the combustion head 30 can have a mainly cylindrical shape.

The heating device 1 further comprises a combustive fluid inlet 11 and a first fluid connection, connecting fluidically the combustive fluid inlet 11 and the combustion head 30. The first fluid connection comprises a first pipe 13. The first fluid connection and the first pipe 13 are therefore intended to receive the combustive fluid. In some embodiments, the combustive fluid is air. The first pipe 13 is preferably rigid. The first pipe 13 can comprise several parts, in particular, straight-lined parts and at least one part enabling it to have at least one curved part. The first pipe 13 can, for example, comprise an angle, several angles, a bend, several bends, etc.

The first pipe 13 can comprise one or more section(s) provided to be easily removed or disassembled. Such a section can, for example, be fixed by flanges or straps to the remainder of the first pipe 13. This can be useful to access the inside of the first pipe 13 during the installation or for maintenance.

The first fluid connection can comprise one or more section(s) provided to be easily removed or disassembled.

The heating device 1 further comprises a combustible fluid inlet 21 and a second fluid connection connecting fluidically the combustible fluid inlet 21 and the combustion head 30. In some embodiments, the second fluid connection comprises a second pipe 23, which is at least partially housed in the first pipe 13. The first 13 and the second 23 pipes can be coaxial. The second fluid connection and the second pipe 23 are therefore intended to receive the combustible fluid. The combustible fluid can, for example, be natural gas, a gaseous mixture of hydrocarbons, propane, butane or LPG.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe 23 is at least partially flexible. The second pipe 23 can thus be present in the first pipe 13, even if the first pipe 13 comprises an angle, several angles, a bend, several bends, etc. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe 23 has at least one rigid part and at least one flexible part. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the second pipe 23 is more flexible than the first pipe 13.

Whether it is flexible or rigid, in some embodiments, the second pipe 23 is capable of supporting a temperature of at least 300° C. Whether it is flexible or rigid, the second pipe 23 comprises a metal. Whether it is flexible or rigid, the second pipe 23 is flameproof. The stainless steel comprised in the second pipe 23 can for example be 316Ti steel. The stainless steel comprised in the second pipe 23 can for example comprise 16.5 to 18.5% of Cr, 10.5 to 13.5% of Ni, 2.0 to 2.5% of Mo, less than 0.7% of Ti and Fe.

If it is at least partially flexible, the second pipe 23 can comprise at least one rigid section and at least one flexible section.

The heating device 1 further comprises a heat-emitting tube 40. The heat-emitting tube 40 has a first part 41 in fluid communication with the first fluid connection, for example, to be in direct fluid communication with the first pipe 13. This first part 41 is provided to receive the combustion head 30 and a flame emitted by the combustion head 30. The heat-emitting tube 40 has a second part 42 connected fluidically to a fluid outlet 50. The fluid outlet 50 enables release of fluids from the heat-emitting tube 40.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the downstream end of the first pipe 13 is joined to the downstream end of the heat-emitting tube 40. The downstream end of the second pipe 23 is connected with the combustible fluid inlet of the combustion head 30.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heat-emitting tube 40 and first pipe 13 form part of an integral piece which could be called “extended heat-emitting tube”. The heat-emitting tube 40 is thus the direct continuation of the first pipe 13. In other words, the first pipe 13 can thus be considered as forming part of the extended heat-emitting tube and the second pipe 23 as being at least partially housed in the extended heat-emitting tube.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the combustion head 30 is mechanically coupled to the heat-emitting tube 40, for example to an inner surface of its first part 41. This mechanical coupling can be achieved by the coupling elements 35 fixed to the combustion head 35 and sliding over the inner surface of the heat-emitting tube 40. This can be, for example, three rigid radial rods spaced by 120°. This mechanical coupling can enable an approximate centering of the combustion head 30 in the heat-emitting tube 40. The slidability of the coupling elements 35 over the inner surface of the heat-emitting tube 40 enables an easier installation of the combustion head 30 and of these coupling elements 35 in the heat-emitting tube 40.

The heat-emitting tube 40 can comprise one or more section(s) provided to be easily removed or disassembled. Such a section can, for example, be fixed by flanges or straps to the remainder of the heat-emitting tube 40. This can be useful for accessing the inside of the heat-emitting tube 40 during installation or for maintenance.

Furthermore, the first part 41 of the heat-emitting tube 40 can comprise a refractory material. For example, the inner surface of the first part 41 of the heat-emitting tube 40 can be covered with a refractory material in a zone of the first part 41 of the heat-emitting tube 40 provided to receive the flame.

The heating device 1 further comprises means for moving fluid 60, enabling to create a movement of fluid between: the combustive fluid inlet 11 and the combustion head 30 via the first fluid connection; and the first part 41 of the heat-emitting tube 40 and the second part 42 of the heat-emitting tube 40.

The movement corresponds to an overall movement of fluid from the combustive fluid inlet 11 (upstream) towards the fluid outlet 50 (downstream). The means for moving fluid 60 can be present near the combustive fluid inlet 11 and/or near the fluid outlet 50. The means for moving fluid 60 enable to create an overpressure at the combustive fluid inlet 11 with respect to the fluid outlet 50. The means for moving fluid 60 enable to avoid a flashback.

A large amount of the combustive fluid passes into the heat-emitting tube 40 around the combustion head 30. The fluid circulating in the heat-emitting tube 40 is heated by the flame emitted by the combustion head. This heats the heat-emitting tube 40 itself, which thus emits heat by radiation, conduction and/or convection.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the heating device 1 comprises a casing 70. The casing 70 groups together typically several elements which must be easily accessible by an operator and cannot be exposed to high temperatures. The casing 70 can comprise means for moving fluid 60. The casing 70 can comprise the upstream ends of the first 13 and of the second 23 pipes. In some embodiments, the combustion head 30 is neither partially nor fully in the casing 70.

The second pipe 23 can be housed in the first pipe 13 in the whole length of the second pipe 23 between the casing 70 and the combustion head 30.

In some embodiments, the first fluid connection comprises, between the combustive fluid inlet 11 and the first pipe 13, a first connection part 16. This first connection part 16 can be included in the casing 70, can be metallic and/or can be bent. This first connection part 16 can comprise several parts.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a length 17 of the first pipe 13 between the first connection part 16 and the combustion head 30 is at least 50 cm, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10 m in further embodiments.

In some embodiments, the second fluid connection comprises, between the combustible fluid inlet 21 and the second pipe 23, a second connection part 26. This second connection part 26 can be included in the casing 70, can be metallic and/or can be bent. This second connection part 26 can comprise several parts.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, a length 27 of the second pipe 23 between the second connection part 26 and the combustion head 30 is at least 50 cm, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10 m in further embodiments.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ignition electrode 33 is connected to two ignition cables housed at least partially in the first pipe 13 and outside of the second pipe, and which are themselves connected to a device for actuating the remote ignition means present in the casing 70. The ignition electrode 33, the ignition cables and the device for actuating the remote ignition means form part of a remote ignition means enabling to ignite the flame remotely, for example from the casing 70.

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the ionization electrode 32 is connected to a verification cable housed at least partially in the first pipe 13 and outside of the second pipe, and which is itself connected to an outlet device of the remote flame verification means, present in the casing 70. The ionization electrode 32, the verification cable and the outlet device of the remote flame verification means form part of a remote flame verification means enabling to verify, remotely, the presence of the flame, for example, from the casing 70.

Due to the first 13 and second 23 pipes, the combustion head 30 and the combustible fluid inlet 21 can be separated by a distance of at least 50 cm, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10 m in further embodiments. Likewise, due to the first 13 and second 23 pipes, the combustion head 30 and the combustive fluid inlet 11 can be separated by a distance of at least 50 cm, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10 m in further embodiments. Likewise, thanks to the first 13 and second 23 pipes, the combustion head 30 and the casing 70 can be separated by a distance of at least 50 cm, at least 2 m in other embodiments, and at least 10 m in further embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates three heating devices 1 arranged to decontaminate a heap of earth 100 in an embodiment of the disclosure. For reasons of clarity, the elements illustrated in FIG. 2 are not to scale and certain elements of the heating devices 1 are not illustrated. Furthermore, the emitting tubes 40 being bent in the heap of earth 100 in the situation illustrated in FIG. 2, the fluid outlets 50 are not represented.

The heap of earth 100 must be decontaminated, in other words, that it must be heated so as to evaporate pollutants present inside. In some embodiments, the heating devices 1 according to the disclosure are installed such that the combustive fluid inlet 11, the combustible fluid inlet 21, the first connection part 16, the second connection part 26, the casing 70 (FIG. 1), the fluid outlet 50 (FIG. 1) and the means for moving fluid 60 (FIG. 1) are outside of the heap of earth 100. The heating devices 1 according to the disclosure are installed, preferably, such that at least one part of the heat-emitting tube 40 is in the heap of earth 100.

In each heating device 1, in some embodiments, the combustion head 30 is placed in the proximity of the place where the heating device 1 enters into the heap of earth 100, such that the flame emitted by the combustion head 30 is in the heap of earth 100. The combustion head 30 can therefore be placed in the heap of earth 100 or outside of it.

The heap of earth 100 can have a height of 6 m, a length of 40 m and a depth of 8 m. Although only three heating devices 1 are illustrated in FIG. 2, such a heap of earth 100 can be decontaminated by sixty heating devices 1, of which the emitting tubes 40 are distributed over the length, the width and the height of the heap of earth 100. The emitting tubes 40 are installed substantially horizontally in the situation illustrated in FIG. 2, but they could be installed substantially vertically or along whichever direction with respect to the vertical.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, in the first heating device 1 a, which is installed in the proximity of the ground, the first pipe 13 a, has no bend. However, in the second and third heating devices 1 b, 1 c, the first pipe 13 b, 13 c, has a first bend 14 b, 14 c and a second bend 15 b, 15 c. The whole of these two curves 14 b, 15 b or 14 c, 15 c enables the second and third heating devices 1 b, 1 c to have, from upstream to downstream, a first horizontal part, a vertical part and a second horizontal part. The first and second horizontal parts enable a horizontal movement between the inlets 11 b, 21 b, 11 c, 21 c and the combustion head 30 b, 30 c. This horizontal offset can, for example, be between 0.5 and 10 m, and in some embodiments around 3 m. The vertical part enables a vertical offset between the inlets 11 b, 21 b, 11 c, 21 c and the combustion head 30 b, 30 c. This vertical offset can, for example, be between 0.5 and 20 m in some embodiments, and around 1.2 m in other embodiments.

In an application of the heating device 1 to decontaminate a heap of earth 100, all the combustive fluid inlets 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and all the combustible fluid inlets 21 a, 21 b, 21 c are accessible by a user at the level of the ground, in other words, at the bottom of the heap of earth 100. In an application of the disclosure, to decontaminate a heap of earth 100, all the combustive fluid inlets 11 a, 11 b, 11 c and all the combustible fluid inlets 21 a, 21 b, 21 c are approximatively in one same horizontal plane.

A heating device 1 according to the disclosure can also be used for heating a sauna, so as to move the combustion head 30, in other words, the starting point of the heating, from the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70.

A heating device 1 according to the disclosure can also be used for heating industrial installations, for example, for a furnace, a tunnel furnace or a chemical bath. In the case of a chemical bath, it is advantageous relative to the safety that operators have to approach from the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70, but not be approached from the chemical bath.

In the case of a tunnel furnace, it is particularly interesting that the combustion head 30 and the heat-emitting tube 40 are in the tunnel furnace and parallel to the axis of the tunnel furnace to enable a heating of the whole of the tunnel furnace. It is also particularly interesting that the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70 are outside of the tunnel furnace and protected by its heat, in order to not heat up. Using a bend in the first pipe 13 enables to place the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70, just outside of the tunnel furnace, outside of its axis and protected by its walls, while placing the combustion head 30 and the heat-emitting tube 40 in the tunnel furnace and parallel to the axis of the tunnel furnace.

A heating device 1 according to the disclosure can also be used in a situation where the zone to be heated has risks for the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70. This can be the case of a hall where the atmosphere is corrosive. It is thus interesting to place the fluid inlets 11, 21 and potentially the casing 70, outside of the hall and the combustion head 30 at the hall entrance.

In other words, the disclosure relates to a heating device 1, or heating tube, wherein a combustive fluid inlet 11, respectively the combustible fluid inlet 21, is connected to a combustion head 30 via a first pipe 13, respectively a second pipe 23, the second pipe 23 being housed at least partially in the first pipe 13. In this heating device 1, the combustion head 30 is remote by at least 50 cm from the combustible fluid inlet 21, which enables to create a “cold zone” between the two. The first 13 and the second 23 pipes enable to lead the combustible fluid and the combustive fluid separately to the combustion head 30, even if it is remote from the combustible fluid 21 and the combustive fluid 11 inlets.

The present disclosure has been described with respect to specific embodiments, which have a purely illustrative value, and must not be considered as limiting. Generally, the present disclosure is not limited to the examples illustrated and/or defined above. The use of the verbs “comprise”, “include”, “involve”, or any other variant, as well as their conjugations, cannot in any way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned. The use of the indefinite article “a”, “an”, or the definite article “the”, to introduce an element, does not exclude the presence of a plurality of these elements. The reference numbers in the claims does not limit their scope.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A heating device, comprising: a combustive fluid inlet; a combustible fluid inlet; a combustion head configured to emit a flame; a first fluid connection comprising a first pipe and connected fluidically to the combustive fluid inlet and to the combustion head; a second fluid connection comprising a second pipe housed at least partially in the first pipe and connected fluidically to the combustible fluid inlet and to the combustion head; a heat-emitting tube having a first part in fluid communication with the first fluid connection and configured to receive the combustion head and a flame emitted by the combustion head; a fluid outlet connected fluidically to the first part of the heat-emitting tube via a second part of the heat-emitting tube; and means for moving fluid configured to create a movement of fluid between: the combustive fluid inlet and the combustion head via the first fluid connection; and the first part of the heat-emitting tube and the second part of the heat-emitting tube, wherein the combustion head and the combustible fluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 50 cm, and wherein that the combustion head and the combustive fluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 50 cm.
 2. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the combustion head and the combustible fluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 2 m.
 3. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the combustion head and the combustible fluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 10 m.
 4. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the combustion head and the combustive fluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 2 m.
 5. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the combustion head and the combustive fluid inlet are separated by a distance of at least 10 m.
 6. The heating device of claim 1, further comprising a casing, wherein the first fluid connection comprises, between the combustive fluid inlet and the first pipe, a first connection part included in the casing, wherein the second fluid connection comprises, between the combustible fluid inlet and the second pipe, a second connection part included in the casing, and wherein the combustion head is situated outside of the casing.
 7. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the combustion head is mechanically coupled to the first part of the heat-emitting tube by coupling elements fixed to the combustion head and slidably arranged along one or more of an inner surface of the second pipe and an inner surface of the heat-emitting tube.
 8. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the heat-emitting tube comprises a section configured for disassembly.
 9. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the second pipe is configured to support a temperature of at least 300° C.
 10. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the second pipe comprises a metal.
 11. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the first pipe is rigid.
 12. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the second pipe is more flexible than the first pipe.
 13. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the first pipe has an angle, and wherein the second pipe is at least partially flexible and bent.
 14. The heating device of claim 1, wherein the heat-emitting tube and the first pipe form part of a same piece.
 15. Heating equipment comprising the heating device according to claim 1, the heating device configured for heating at least one of earth for decontamination, a sauna, a furnace, a tunnel furnace, and a chemical bath.
 16. A heating method, comprising: providing a heating device according to claim 1; arranging the heating device such that the heat-emitting tube is at least partially in a zone to be heated; connecting fluidically the combustive fluid inlet to a combustive fluid supply; connecting fluidically the combustible fluid inlet to a combustible fluid supply; starting the means for moving fluid; and igniting the flame at the combustion head. 